Genetic counselors
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$98,910
~$48/hr · ~$8,243/mo
US Jobs
4K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
6/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 6/10
Genetic counselors perform high-level knowledge work, including analyzing complex DNA data and medical histories, which is highly susceptible to AI optimization. However, the core of the role involves providing psychological support and navigating sensitive ethical decisions with patients, requiring a level of empathy and human connection that limits full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $159,960 | Above avg (113.1) | $141,484 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $149,850 | Above avg (117.6) | $127,477 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $130,310 | Above avg (114.7) | $113,561 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $104,790 | Below avg (94.2) | $111,214 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $99,330 | Average (102.4) | $97,037 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $94,000 | Average (97.3) | $96,586 |
| Madison, WI | $91,820 | Below avg (95.9) | $95,712 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $104,100 | Above avg (109.5) | $95,031 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $98,440 | Above avg (104.3) | $94,380 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $91,620 | Average (97.1) | $94,313 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $103,060 | Above avg (112.6) | $91,491 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $85,950 | Below avg (94.7) | $90,755 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $89,950 | Average (99.7) | $90,190 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $92,720 | Above avg (103.2) | $89,859 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $100,690 | Above avg (112.7) | $89,319 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Master's degree
10-Year Growth
+9% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$48/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,243/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)